World
‘I am still traumatised’: French police accused of brutalising minors
Police violence and use of crowd-control weapons deepen mistrust between French authorities and demonstrators.
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Politics
Live: Leader of France's biggest trade union calls for strikes after talks with PM
The leader of France's hardline CGT union on Wednesday called for strikes after talks with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu over fresh protests collapsed, as the country reeled from last weekend's riots. The government offered "no measure nor have they taken our demands into account", Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, told reporters after a meeting between Lecornu and union leaders. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
World
Katya Adler: France divided over who to blame for riots and what to learn from them
In France and beyond there is widespread disagreement over what led to some of the worst unrest seen in French cities in modern history.
Politics
French PM vows 'massive' police deployment for new demonstrations
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Tuesday vowed a "massive" police presence at fresh protests called for the coming weekend, as he faced criticism over the handling of recent street violence. The eurozone's second-largest economy was rocked on Saturday by some of its worst rioting in recent years, just six months before voters head to the polls to elect a successor to President Emmanuel Macron. FRANCE 24's Ellen Gainsford reports.
World
‘I’m alive’: Paris street medic isn’t dead, despite viral claims he was killed by police
A video showing French riot police violently beating a 26-year-old street medic in Paris has gone viral, with social media users falsely claiming he died from his injuries. But the street medic is alive, and spoke to FRANCE 24. The rumour was fuelled by confusion with a separate incident that same day: a man died of cardiac arrest in the same area, causing online users to conflate the two events. Vedika Bahl explains in Truth or Fake.
World
US regulators certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 after years of delay
The US Federal Aviation Administration has given final approval for the 737-10, the largest model in Boeing's best-selling MAX family. The certification comes more than five years after the narrowbody jet's maiden flight, and marks an important step for the planemaker that's been trying to regain ground following a safety and management crisis. Plus, the French government has offered all businesses affected by the recent riots an interest-free loan of up to €50,000.
Politics
French Justice Minister promises 'extremely firm' punishment for rioters
This weekend's rioting in France highlighted failings in the security services' handling of threats posed by looters, said Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. He promised that rioters would face extremely firm punishment. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Angela Diffley tells us more.
World
October 17 riots in France: Who's responsible?
We take a look at who is responsible for the violence that broke out in France on October 17. We dive into who the casseurs, or lawbreakers, are and how a bill is proposing that they pay for the damage they caused. We also discuss the French government’s mea culpa and the ongoing political blame game, with a budding controversy over whether the vandals were "ultra-left" members or not.
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Politics
French PM vows 'massive' police deployment for new demonstrations Saturday
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Tuesday authorities would mobilise a "massive" security presence next weekend, with organisers announcing plans for new protests after riots erupted on the sidelines of nationwide demonstrations. "The deployment for next Saturday will be massive," Lecornu said in parliament, acknowledging that the security operation for the protests last weekend had been "too static and not mobile enough." FRANCE 24's Luke Shrago reports from Place de la République in central Paris.
World
From fine wine to no alcohol: The changing world of French sommeliers
In this week's edition of France in Focus, our reporters uncork the demanding world of sommellerie. They follow Pascaline Lepeltier's painstaking training as she prepares for the World's Best Sommelier competition. They also explore how the profession is adapting to changing drinking habits, meeting one sommelier who's chosen to go alcohol-free.
World
France: Local curfews imposed after protests
French cities that imposed a curfew Monday saw a generally calm night, after October 17 protests devolved into violent riots this past weekend. Despite criticism from citizens, France's government said it is maintaining the measure where necessary on Tuesday night.
Politics
France's decades-long ties with Gulf states built on 'economic development, oil, defence agreements'
Genie Godula is pleased to welcome François Gouyette, former French ambassador to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Against a backdrop of violent unrest at home and escalating conflict in the Middle East, French President Emmanuel Macron's Gulf diplomacy underscores the increasingly blurred boundaries between domestic economic security and international strategic commitments. Ambassador Gouyette argues that the visit serves a dual purpose: alleviating France's energy pressures while reaffirming its longstanding defense partnerships with Gulf monarchies. Insisting that "France has to play its role as a
World
How French police are harnessing social media to identify looters
French police are turning to social media to identify and arrest suspects linked to last weekend’s looting and unrest. Investigators are scrutinising videos posted online alongside footage from thousands of security cameras to track suspects and gather evidence. The crackdown comes as the government vows to hold those responsible for the violence and damage to shops accountable.
World
Macron lines up more Gulf diesel as France battles soaring fuel prices
The UAE and Bahrain deals increase French commitments to 295,000 tonnes a month, just over 10 percent of consumption.
Politics
Macron secures 200,000 tonnes of extra diesel per month from UAE, Bahrain
French President Emmanuel Macron has secured the delivery of an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the French presidency said on Tuesday. Macron is undertaking a tour of key energy suppliers in the Gulf in an effort to secure oil and diesel and bring down prices in France, after a weekend of violent protests over soaring living costs. FRANCE 24'S Tarek Kaï reports from Doha, Qatar.
Politics
French PM blames 'ultra-left' groups for weekend riots, promises 'massive' security deployment
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Tuesday during a session of the National Assembly that authorities would mobilise a "massive" security presence next weekend after organisers announced plans for new protests. Lecornu also accused ultra-left groups of fomenting an "insurrection" leading to the past weekend's riots on the sidelines of nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living and education funding.
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Politics
France imposes curfews after weekend violence, but is it too much or too little?
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, October 20: We look at reactions from the French press after President Emmanuel Macron's government announces a curfew in parts of the country. Is it too much or not enough? We also look at what the foreign press from Britain, Germany and the US are saying about the weekend's violence. Meanwhile, the Italian press react to violent looting and destruction of property in Italy as the government there mulls sending in 500 armed troops.
World
'Very poor communicators: Macron & his govt fail to address 'genuine concerns of the French people'
Annette Young is pleased to welcome Dr Joseph Downing, Senior Lecturer International Relations and Politics at Aston University. French unrest raises questions about political accountability, police exhaustion and the increasingly confrontational relationship between citizens and the state. Downing argues that France must reassess how the state exercises authority and responds to both violent unrest and legitimate social movements. And he draws attention to France's centralised policing culture, its revolutionary traditions and the wider threat of Russian information warfare.
World
French retailers begin filing insurance claims after weekend of looting
Shop owners in France are counting the cost of the weekend's riots as the government works on new measures to help them recover from widespread looting. Also in this edition: Germany welcomes new investments from Nvidia into its tech scene, and energy prices continue to climb after new Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia.
Politics
French protests: Is it game over for Macron’s centrists before elections?
The protests have further polarised the French and turned the youth into a key, angry, voting bloc.